How "Bad" Is The Air?

FNSB PM2.5 Design Value Comparison

The EPA established a health based standard (National Ambient Air Quality Standard, (NAAQS)) for fine particulate matter (PM2.5), which is a byproduct of combustion. The 24 hour PM2.5 standard is based on the 98th percentile averaged over 3 years. The graph below shows the 98th percentiles and design values as measured since 2000 for Fairbanks and North Pole. An area is in violation of the NAAQS when the Design Value is greater than the 24 hour NAAQS for PM2.5, which is currently set at 35 µg/m3. EPA used data from the State Office Building Monitor in Fairbanks to classify the area as nonattainment. The design value for the Nonattainment Area for 2013-2015 is 124 µg/m3 based on data from the North Pole Fire Station #3 Monitor.

Three year average of the 98th percentile value. An area is in violation of the NAAQS when the Design Values is greater than the 24 hour NAAQS for PM2.5, which is currently set at 35 µg/m340 CFR 50 Appendix N - see section 4.5(b) (PDF)